#21
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much liked what I heard. I had to run it thru my Mc2600 preamp to use the Dac in the preamp. I think there is even a larger difference in preamps. I have listened to all Arc setups in the store. Again very good sound. Unfortunately my local dealer does not have the Foundation series in stock for demo. I went all Mcintosh because at the time it was a large jump to Ref6, Ref75se combo. If I was starting over I would take a series look at the Foundation amp and preamp. Are the Reference series in a different league?They are to the person who has upgraded the rest of their system. Keep in mind how much it costs to balance the rest Of the system to get all that a Reference series has to offer. For me I feel I have a good cost balance with the Mcintosh. I am a little afraid to “borrow” a Ref6 as it might cause an expensive chain reaction!!
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Mcintosh C2600, Mc301 monoblocks, MCT450, MR88 Wilson Sabrinas, AurenderN10, Bryston Bit20, Shunyata, ASC tube Traps, Nordost |
#22
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I trained the Soundings guys in Sumiko Masters when they first came on board as a Vienna Acoustics dealer. Wonderful people! Regardless of the dealer, I would suggest that you explain what you would like to accomplish. Sounds like this has happened at Soundings already. If you want something outside their policies, ask them and tell them why. Very few can read your mind. Perhaps they have a way to help. If they don't at least it won't happen because of a misunderstanding. This might be your next step. There is also another ARC dealer in Colorado though I do not know what Rick has on display. A call to his shop in Ft Collins might be worth the effort. I also believe there are some good dealers in your area though you haven't yet visited them all. FYI, the Foundation Series may be one of the best values in audio today. As always, ymmv. Bill Disclaimer: I work for Wilson Audio |
#23
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Bill, again, your last sentence speaks volumes .........
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#24
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Last trip to my dealer & he had the foundation pieces pushing Sabrina speakers. Can you say -- heaven. At $16K for the amp and pre (and $7.5K for the phono) with $15.9K Sabrina and some moderate cabling could sure make someone extremely happy. I was impressed.
Best Sirs, Bob
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Amps:VAC 450iQ Monos in Silver Flake on HRS M3X2-1921's, HRS G7 Footers/G-Links & Sound Anchor Conecoasters. Preamp:VAC Statement (on order) (Silver Flake) Digital Source: dCS Rossini CD/SACD Transport, Vivaldi APEX DAC, Upsampler Plus & matching Clock (Silver) Analogue Preamp:VAC Renaissance SE Phono stage in Silver Flake with XLR Output Option & with Nordost Valhalla XLR's. Analogue Sources:SME 20/2 w/SME V arm & Nordost Odin 2 Tone Arm Cable, Palo Santos Presentation Cartridge & Akai GX-400D Reel-to-Reel w/relapped heads by JRF Magnetic Sciences. Akai RC-17 cabled remote (original owner since 1974). Vibration Control:TT on HRS M3X2-1921 shelf. Speakers:Wilson Audio Alexia V (on order in Ferrari Argento Silver/Parchment grills sitting on Acoustic Diode Kit). Power Cables:4 Nordost Odin Supreme Reference on amps, preamp & DAC. Ansuz Acoustics C2 on Transport & Clock. Power Distribution:Ansuz Mainz D3 Distributor & Ansuz Mainz C2 1M Power Cable Power Outlets:Furutech GTX-D NCF (R) duplex outlet, GTX Wall Plate & Duplex Cover (x2) on dedicated, same panel phase, 20A breakers. Speaker Cables:2M Nordost Odin 2 Supreme Reference on Nordost Sort Lifts. (on Order) Signal Cables:Nordost Odin XLR's on dCS DAC & Amps. Digital Cables: Nordost Odin 2's, 110-ohm AES/EBU on dCS Transport to DAC. Clock Cables:5 each 75 ohm 1.25M Nordost Valhalla BNC/BNC Digital Ethernet Cable: WireWorld Platinum 1M Starlight® 8 Twinax Headphones:Vintage Koss Pro IV AA. RCM: Audio Desk PRO Tube Test Gear:Mint late '60's/calibrated Heathkit TT-1A, MaxiMatcher Power Amp & Preamp & Space Tech Labs ATT-3.02 tube test sets. |
#25
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I went from the high end Mac tube system, the C1100 and , at the time, the top of the line Mc2102 tube amp to an all ARC system. I made that transition one component at a time and can say with some degree of confidence---the combination of Mac/ARC is worse by far than an all ARC system. That is, the improvement will be slight with one ARC component and one Mac component. If you prefer the Mac sound--warm and rounded--stick with it. If you prefer greater transparency and more texture and color but not as warm and rounded--go all ARC. If you purchase one ARC component at a time in a Mac system, start with an ARC preamp which will give you an idea of what the ARC sound is all about, but don't leave the system there as you will be hearing even half of the ARC peamp's potential. When you add an ARC amp to the system the improvement is a sea change.
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Wilson Alexia V, ARC Ref 160M MkII,Ref 40,Ref Phono2SE, Shunyata Triton3, Typhon, Sigma PCs, ICs & SCs, Spectral SDR4000SV (w MIT IC), Belcanto PL1, Oppo 205, Marantz 2270 (tuner only):AudioDesk and VPI record cleaners, Furutech Demag & Destat; Stillpoint Apertures, TechDas AF 3S Premium with SAT CF9 and Kuzma 4pt 9" arms, Lyra Atlas Lambda SL, Dynavector XV1-t stereo and XV1-s mono carts, Miyajima mono, Shure V15VxMR, Last edited by jpgr4blu; 01-28-2018 at 01:47 PM. |
#26
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I enjoyed ARC for many years with my Sonus Faber speakers. It is a great combo. But the nerve and presence the Gryphon added to the mix is addictive IMO. |
#27
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Like everything that’s a personal opinion
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#28
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Sure, that's why I wrote "IMO".
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#29
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I was under the impression of just the opposite, but I've never had the pleasure you've had of owning both; nor have I been able to hear both in the same room with the same speakers. The ARC I've heard was warmer and fuller. Mc was more clear, colored, and somehow lifeless by comparison. I'd like to hear more comparisons of house sound/qualities between the two brands. I still like Mc, I've just heard two ARC systems that really moved me. |
#30
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